'Heartfelt thanks' for aid after accident

The family of an Invercargill mother killed in a horror crash have thanked the members of the public who rushed to her aid.

Police are yet to lay charges in the wake of the Friday night collision, which killed Emma Joyce Bagley (37), left her husband in a critical but stable condition, and resulted in their two young children sustaining minor to moderate injuries.

The young man driving the Subaru Impreza hatchback involved in the collision with the family's station wagon was seriously injured, while his passenger was not as badly hurt.

After the crash, at the intersection of Newcastle and Clifton Sts, neighbours rushed to help before emergency services arrived, comforting the gravely injured Mrs Bagley in her overturned vehicle.

A family spokesman yesterday paid tribute to the members of the public and emergency services for their help.

''The family would like to express their heartfelt thanks to the members of the public who helped at the scene.

''[We] wish to thank all of the emergency services and medical staff who worked tirelessly for Emma and her family on that night and continue to do so.''

The spokesman thanked the Southland community too.

''This is an extremely difficult time for the family and the loss of Emma is devastating.''

The last update provided on Mrs Bagley's husband on Sunday said he was in Christchurch Hospital in a critical but stable condition. Their two young children had been released from hospital.

Those living near the crash scene said they heard a car speeding and backfiring in the seconds before the crash.

A woman living close to the intersection, but who did not see the crash, said it appeared the Subaru had been travelling west in Newcastle St, went through a give-way intersection and collided with the other vehicle. The damage to both cars suggested it had been travelling at speeds well above the 50kmh limit.

Invercargill police were appealing to anyone who saw the green four-door Subaru in the hours before the crash.

-A service to celebrate the life of Emma Bagley will be held in J. Fraser and Sons Chapel, on the corner of Esk and Doon Sts, Invercargill, at 1.30pm on Friday.